Confederations Cup: Egyptian History

BRA 3-0 USA
ITA 0-1 EGY

Egypt threw Group B into the balance last night, with a shock 1-0 victory over Italy. Earlier on in the day, Brazil cruised past USA, by the tune of three goals to nil.

The afternoon kick-off in Pretoria was dominated by Brazil, with Felipe Melo opening the scoring early on (7′), before Robinho added a second (20′). In the second half, Inter Milan right-back Maicon put in a brilliant angled shot () to make it three. The Americans hit the post late on, but it was too little, too late.

Later on in Johannesburg, Egypt put in a superb display, even bettering their brave effort against Brazil, to see of Italy, the World Champions. Mohamed Homos’ 40th-minute header was the only goal, but the plaudits will mainly go to goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary, who kept the Europeans at bay with several world-class saves.

The result means that the whole group will be decided on Sunday, where Brazil are all but through, barring two adverse results, and USA are all but out, barring a victory and a five-goal swing. For Italy and Egypt, meanwhille, it seems as though the side with the better result will advance. All of the teams have something to play for, and it should make for an interesting climax to Group B.